Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Students and PhD students,
Colleagues,
Saturday’s tragedy in Kraków, where innocent bystanders fell victim to a horrific attack, has left us feeling shocked, saddened and helpless. It is difficult to come to terms with the idea that an ordinary day, a stroll through the city, can end in a confrontation with a threat that we are unable to foresee or prevent.
Our thoughts today are with the families and loved ones of the victims, with those who were injured, and with everyone affected by this tragedy. On behalf of our community, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with them.
Such events also prompt us to reflect on the safety of us all at the University of Silesia. The university is, by its very nature, an open place. It brings together people with differing views, experiences, ways of life and ways of thinking. This openness is one of the university’s most important values. I would not want the fear of violence to lead us to abandon it. At the same time, I know that openness cannot mean defencelessness, and trust does not relieve us of our responsibility for the safety of others.
There are no solutions that can ever guarantee us absolute safety. However, we can and must do everything in our power to minimise risks, recognise dangers and know how to act in situations where human health or life is at risk. I would like us all to go about our daily lives at the University in the knowledge that we can count on one another.
That is why we have been developing a safety system at the University of Silesia for many years. We are introducing and refining crisis response procedures, and organising training on how to act in emergency situations, including active attacks, first aid, and physical and digital security. We are equipping our buildings with AEDs and emergency equipment, and improving signage and the availability of emergency information. We work closely with the police, local authorities and institutions responsible for public safety.
All these measures are important, but their effectiveness also depends on our knowledge and readiness to act appropriately. That is why we have launched the ‘Safety at the University of Silesia’ website, where we have compiled the most important procedures, guidelines, information on training courses and contact numbers useful in emergency situations. I would urge you all to familiarise yourselves with these materials and to take part in the training sessions organised.
Even the simplest skills can prove invaluable: correctly identifying a threat, calling for help quickly, responding responsibly, and looking after the person next to us. No set of rules, CCTV or alarm system will protect us sufficiently unless it is accompanied by mutual care and consideration for others; recognising their anxiety, loneliness, suffering or need for help. A sense of security, after all, rests on the conviction that, in a moment of danger, we will not be left alone.
As rector, I am committed to continuing to develop measures that will enable us to work, study and meet in safe conditions. I ask you all to exercise caution, to make use of the training and information available, and, above all, to be mindful of one another.
In these difficult days, let us remember the victims of the Kraków tragedy and their loved ones. May our solidarity with them also be expressed in our daily care for those around us.
With warm regards and respect,
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek
Rector of the University of Silesia in Katowice
